By Abass Jalloh
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI) with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Monday October 24 held a training and orientation for jurors from Bo, Moyamba, Kenema, Mattru Jong and Kailahun to ensure effective service delivery in the administration of justice.
The training, which benefited over 60 jurors, covered among other topics an overview of jury service, its administration, management and summoning of jurors, preparation and settlement of jurors list, general overview of criminal trial processes and procedures, empaneling of jurors, summing up and verdict, and code of ethics.
Supreme Court Judge, Alusine Sesay, and Court of Appeal Judge, Monfred Sesay, orientated the jurors on the overview, history and purpose of jury system.
Master and Register of the High Court, Elaine Thomas Archibald, and Head of the Sexual Offences Model Court, Patrick Abraham Sannah, discussed the administration, management and summoning of jurors, preparation and settlement of jurors list.
While making statement on behalf of Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, Supreme Court Judge, Alusine Sesay, said the orientation serves as a reminder to jurors about their critical role in helping the court generally in the administration and in Criminal Justice System.
Justice Sesay stated that as a judiciary, they are very much aware and conscious the role they play. “You are partners in the administration of justice,” he told the jurors.
Court of Appeal Judge and Deputy Director of JLTI, Reginald Fynn, in his statement assured participants that the orientation was worthy of “every effort, time and investment” and that the facilitators were “well-resourceful to enrich every participant throughout the exercise.”
The training continues today in Makeni.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (26/10/22)
